Organizations find senior volunteers appealing for a number of reasons:
- seniors already have at least some work and management experience
- seniors have a history of life experiences to draw from
- seniors usually already have volunteering experience
These national resources that can help you engage with other seniors in a variety of volunteering activities, from working with youth to improving our environment.
Administration on Aging
330 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20201
aoainfo@aoa.org
Promotes the development of services for our nation’s growing older population, helping older persons maintain their independence and lead active, healthy lives.
American Association of Community Colleges
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036
A national voice for two-year associate degree granting institutions. Since 1920, AACC works with other higher education associations, government, Congress, and other national associations that represent the public and private sectors to promote higher education for people of all ages.
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
901 E Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004-2037
Represents not-for-profit nursing homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, senior housing, and community-based service organizations. Their mission is to provide older people the means to live with the greatest level of self-determination, dignity and independence. The creative use of technology is one of the principal tools AAHSA and its members use to achieve that goal.
American Society on Aging
833 Market Street, Suite 511, San Francisco, CA 94103
Strives to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working with older adults and families. Our vision of technology as a tool for empowerment is reflected in technology training, articles, and web-enhanced learning.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049
AARP has information centers staffed by volunteers to provide a place for volunteers to find and work on projects, and a volunteer talent bank for members to share their knowledge and abilities with others. Their Web site has more information on these programs and on finding local chapters. AARP is the nation’s oldest and largest organization of older Americans, with a membership of more than 33 million.
Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement
8733 Old Dumfries Rd., Catlett, VA 22019
A national nonprofit coalition of environmental, aging and volunteer organizations established in 1991 as the result of a visionary agreement between the US Environmental Protection Agency and the American Association of Retired Persons. Works to build, promote and utilize the environmental ethic, expertise, and commitment of older persons to expand citizen involvement in protecting and caring for our environment for present and future generations.
Executive Service Corps (ESC)
An association of retired business men and women that volunteer their time to consult with nonprofit and public service agencies. They believe that the experience and skills acquired during their business careers can help these agencies solve management, governance and administrative problems. The ESO Web site has a list of chapters throughout the U.S.
Family Caregiver Alliance
690 Market Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94104
Information on demand from a pioneer in caregiver services. Easy-to-access website offers free publications, news, advice, resources, interviews and an online support group for families and friends providing care. Specialized information on Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s and other disorders.
Experience Works (formerly Green Thumb)
2000 N 14th Street, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22201
A national nonprofit organization. Believes that a person is never too old to work, learn, or start a new career. Green Thumb offers training, employment and other services to more than 40,000 mature and disadvantaged workers 45 states every year. Microsoft and Green Thumb have joined forces to address the information technology (IT) work force shortage by recruiting and training older individuals for IT careers.
National Council on the Aging
409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
An organization of 7,500 members who direct community-based resources for older people. NCOA encourages older people to take full advantage of the opportunities for advocacy, employment and self-expression that PC and Internet technology can offer.
National Retiree Volunteer Coalition
1660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
A program of Volunteers of America, with a goal of “transforming the skills and expertise of retirees into community leadership and service.”
OASIS
7710 Carondelet Ave., St. Louis MO 63105
A national organization designed to “enhance the quality of life for mature adults.” Offers programs in the arts, humanities, wellness and volunteer service, and creates opportunities for older adults to continue their personal growth and provide meaningful service to the community.
Senate Special Committee on Aging
G31 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-6400
Phone: (202) 224-5364, Fax: (202) 224-8660
Serves as a focal point for discussion on matters relating to older Americans. The Committee submits recommendations for legislation to the Senate and publishes materials on public policies which relate to the elderly.
SeniorNet
121 Second Street, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 495-4990, Fax: (415) 495-3999
Has more than 140 Learning Centers in 35 states offering hands-on training in a peer based environment.
Senior Corps – RSVP Program
Part of the Corporation for National Service. RSVP matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with opportunities to help solve community problems. RSVP volunteers choose how and where they want to serve – from a few to over 40 hours a week. RSVP volunteers provide hundreds of community services. They tutor children in reading and math, help to build houses, help get children immunized, model parenting skills to teen parents, participate in neighborhood watch programs, plan community gardens, deliver meals, offer disaster relief to victims of natural disasters, and help community organizations operate more efficiently.
Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE)
A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE offers an email counseling at no cost (for U.S. citizens and resident aliens only); its huge searchable databank helps users find the SCORE member whose expertise best addresses their business needs. The expertise of members is highly varied and specialized — you can get email counseling in everything from tropical agriculture to unemployment compensation to wholesale lighting equipment. The Web site also has a database for finding local SCORE affiliates.
